October Is ‘Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month.’ Here Are The Top 5 Myths DEBUNKED…

Ashley Maisano

By Ashley Maisano

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If you own a dog, chances are you know who Cesar Millan is. For those who don’t know of him, he’s a famous self-taught dog behaviorist, widely known for his television series “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.” Part of his mission is to promote rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of dogs. There are millions of dogs around the world who are homeless, and many of them are at shelters either waiting for their furever home or to be sadly euthanized. Many people are hesitant about adopting a shelter dog because of things they’ve heard that aren’t actually true. Thanks to Cesar, we can debunk some preconceived notions about these shelter dogs, as we are in the middle of Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month…

Myth #1- They’re in the shelter because they have a problem or something wrong with them

Many people believe that this is the reason why they’re in the shelter in the first place. They are believed to be anti-social or just plain vicious. But really, many shelter dogs are big mushes and are so loving! Often, owners give up their pets because they can’t afford them, are moving somewhere where dogs aren’t allowed, or just don’t have the time to give the pups the attention they need. These reasons clearly have nothing to do with their behavior!

Myth #2- You’ll never know their history

It is true that coming from a shelter, it’s harder to learn about the dog’s history, but this is also not a bad thing! Some shelters can give you a glimpse of where the dog came from, but regardless of the dog’s past, what’s most important is that you give it a great present and future!

Myth #3- They may have a disease

Although some dogs may catch the common kennel cough, it’s nothing that can’t be treated and taken care of. Many shelters also provide you with a voucher for a subsidized or free first vet visit. Shelters also routinely give the dogs vaccines that they need, make sure the dogs are free of fleas and worms, and even provide spaying and neutering.

Myth #4- They aren’t purebred

So what? Mixed breed dogs are usually free of genetic or behavioral problems that many pure breeds typically have. And they’re just as cute, if not cuter! But if you’re dying to have a purebred, there are plenty of those in shelters also.

Myth #5- They’re too old

Sometimes adopting a dog who is already past that difficult puppy stage makes your life easier. You won’t have to worry about accidents in the house or the teething on all of your furniture! There are also many puppies at shelters that you can rescue if you do want to raise them from the very beginning. Many senior dogs wind up dying at shelters because no one wants to adopt them. But they are ideal for lower-energy households or older people who want a calm dog. Chances are, senior dogs have spent most of their lives in a shelter and haven’t gotten to experience life as they should have; older dogs need love just as much as puppies do!

So, celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month by heading to your local animal shelter and adopting a dog, whether it’s a 7-year-old purebred or a 2-week-old mutt. You’ll save a life AND gain a furry best friend! And if you’ve already adopted a shelter pup, then two thumbs…I mean paws…up for you!

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